In our day to day lives, time can often feel infinite, in part thanks to the predictable nature of routine. Certainly there are often disruptions or unexpected opportunities, but as we are wired to seek homeostasis, most of us depend upon predictability. While there is nothing particularly wrong about it, it can leave us feeling vulnerable and avoidant of making changes that could inherently enhance our lives. We realize on some level that we are always surrounded by the unknown; how we handle that tension and the tension of the yin and yang of infinite and finite, reflects back to us how resilient we are in the face of turmoil.
When you have heard the words, “you have cancer”, it becomes very clear that our time on this planet is not infinite. For some, this can be liberating in the sense that the desire to make the time you have left “count”, allows us to shed any reservations about making meaningful changes. All of the sudden, one’s tolerance for putting things off until tomorrow becomes much lower, because what if I don’t have tomorrow?
However, the dark side of feeling that time is finite is just as powerful, and it can be paralyzing. Especially when we feel the reality of leaving our loved ones, leaving dreams unfinished, or important work undone.
In either case, practicing the art of infusing the infinite into the finite can be very useful in calming the anxiety about leaving our loved ones or unfinished business. In my opinion, this is about embodying the quality of the moment, rather than the quantity. Being fully present, with our mind, body, and soul, seeking to make deep energetic connection to the moment. Just like when you have the opportunity to witness a beautiful sunrise or sunset, as you drink it in, it can all of the sudden become full bodied experience.
We can turn a finite moment into a infinite experience when we tune into it with all of our senses. When I lost my mother to breast cancer, the loss was indescribable. As time passed, the pain of it subsided and through embodying precious memories that I had of her, I was able to take the finite moments of the memories and turn them into an infinite connection. As Claudia Ghandi said, “If I had a single flower for every time I thought about you, I could walk forever in my garden”.
– Stephanie McLeod-Estevez, LCPC, is an art therapist and breast cancer survivor. She began Creative Transformations to help others who are healing from a life threatening illness or injury. Creative Transformations offers individual sessions, in person or via Skype, workshops, and this weekly blog. Sign up today so you never miss one by visiting: www.creative-transformations.com, where you will also find the links to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.